Haikou Danna International Hotel and Residential, Haikou, China

548-unit scheme under construction

Feeding koi provide a sleek reference point for Haikou Danna International Hotel

Construction of the Haikou Danna International Hotel and Residential development has reached the 15th floor, with completion set for September 2015.

Designed by HKS with local design institute Zhubo Design Company, the 78,000 sq m scheme is located on a dramatic harbourfront site in Haikou, China. The development incorporates a 305-key hotel topped with 143 residential flats. It also includes two levels of below grade parking.

The scheme was won by HKS through a design competition with a somewhat open brief which asked for a new 5-star luxury hotel on an urban site. On further analysis, the team realised that the site was subject to governmental requirements including a stipulation to retain an open space in the southwest corner.

Keeping in mind the strong sailing traditions of Haikou, the design team conceptualised the 20-storey development as ‘a powerful form shaped by the wind and recalling feeding koi’.

Other nautical references, such as sail boats, shark fins and open terraces that recall the decks of luxury yachts, run throughout the development.